tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-94639152024-03-07T21:35:11.996-05:00Eclectic ExpressionsEast Meets WestSumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-72657911177230798082021-01-16T02:29:00.004-05:002021-01-16T02:30:32.953-05:00Lord Shiva - artwork done in 2020<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpx_F6dhFvGneRLwXIBZAkK7pApPMKuWeYTQZjIVGk8hvcELpqMGFudgQEnEQ_JMWQ2B0yKM4hFQ2EHAJkR4FxCPw9QLLm_VkVpV4THQgoX6Siw8pouWKHiSMqE1AnmzcRaKO9A/s1474/IMG-20200208-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1474" data-original-width="1019" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpx_F6dhFvGneRLwXIBZAkK7pApPMKuWeYTQZjIVGk8hvcELpqMGFudgQEnEQ_JMWQ2B0yKM4hFQ2EHAJkR4FxCPw9QLLm_VkVpV4THQgoX6Siw8pouWKHiSMqE1AnmzcRaKO9A/w443-h640/IMG-20200208-WA0000.jpg" width="443" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-1453433080529662542020-06-09T14:41:00.001-04:002020-06-09T14:43:01.698-04:00A podcast on my journey spanning 4 continents and 35+ years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;" wfd-id="5"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVdDQ7t64i2Mv74e6viOrVmN993IKyV19R88f7IRL_PQ7dV_X7j5KKCSMkR1D7XrMnglCQwk1sNDK2B0zRy967KjQytLJhr-H8OPOm8_wWvzaM-fL5I9y02rq1gF604ILEHosCw/s1280/Third+Culture.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVdDQ7t64i2Mv74e6viOrVmN993IKyV19R88f7IRL_PQ7dV_X7j5KKCSMkR1D7XrMnglCQwk1sNDK2B0zRy967KjQytLJhr-H8OPOm8_wWvzaM-fL5I9y02rq1gF604ILEHosCw/w640-h360/Third+Culture.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div wfd-id="4"><br /></div><div wfd-id="3"><br /></div>This is a podcast that my friend Damon Moon invited me to. The series looks at the journies of several individuals that have grown and developed in diverse cultures and how they survived and thrived in it.<div wfd-id="2"><br /></div><div wfd-id="1"><a href="https://anchor.fm/planted/episodes/Episode-2---Suman-Datta-eefsrs/a-a29h422">Planted Podcast - Suman Datta</a></div><div wfd-id="0"><br /></div>Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-37370360244754841082020-04-12T00:20:00.000-04:002020-04-12T00:20:11.723-04:00Classic Indian chicken curry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<br />
This is the easiest and tastiest chicken curry you'll ever make. It's a staple in most North Indian kitchens and every state has a variant of this. I won't go into the variants today but keep it to the core.<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
Bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, cloves, cardamom,<br />
coriander, turmeric, garam masala (optional), Kashmiri Mirch, salt<br />
<br />
Garlic and ginger<br />
<br />
Onions and tomatoes<br />
<br />
Chicken - bone-in or boneless (your choice)<br />
<br />
Yogurt<br />
<br />
Olive oil/mustard oil/safflower oil/Other oil with medium to high smoke point<br />
<br />
<b>Steps:</b><br />
<br />
1. Heat the oil and add the following: Bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, peppercorns, cloves, cardamom. Let them sizzle and release their flavor.<br />
2. Add onions and saute them till they turn pink/brown<br />
3. Add garlic and ginger (smash them up in a mixer-grinder beforehand) and cook them till you smell their aroma<br />
4. Add pureed tomatoes and cook till you see some water evaporate<br />
5. Add coriander, turmeric, garam masala (optional), Kashmiri Mirch, salt (according to taste) and let them release their flavors for a minute or two<br />
6. Now add the final items - the yogurt, some hot water and the chicken<br />
7. If you're using an instant pot, set it to "poultry" and let it pressure cook for 15 minutes. Otherwise, cover your pan with a lid and simmer and cook for 45 minutes or until chicken is cooked thoroughl.<br />
<br />
That's it!<br />
<br />
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Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-13424268405555842432020-03-31T01:46:00.000-04:002020-04-01T00:01:22.929-04:00Special Chicken Soup for Colds and Flu<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
This is one of my new creations which is a simple yet powerful and nutritious food that you can make while nursing a cold/flu. When you're under the weather, you're not in a position to do much so this recipe helps you modulate your efforts.<br />
<br />
<b>DEVICES:</b><br />
<br />
Best done with an Instant Pot or pressure cooker but you can use a regular pot as well.<br />
<br />
<b>INGREDIENTS:</b><br />
<br />
<b>Vegetables:</b> Carrot, celery, red onion<br />
<b>Chicken:</b> Boneless or with bone. Cut into small pieces. 1 KG/2 Lb<br />
<b>Herbs:</b> As many as you can get - rosemary, thyme, oregano, dill, parsley, store-bought - herbs du Provence, Kashmiri Mirch/Hot sauce<br />
<b>Sauce:</b> Soy Sauce<br />
<b>Garlic and Ginger:</b> chopped or pureed<br />
<b>Bone broth</b> - 3 to 6 cups<br />
<b>Egg</b> - 3 or 4<br />
<b>Salt and Pepper</b><br />
<b>Olive Oil</b><br />
<b>Rice/Noodles</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>STEPS:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Chop vegetables and chicken into small pieces<br />
Use the saute option in an Instant Pot or saute in a regular pot in the following sequence:<br />
Olive oil, Bay leaves, onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook 3 min.<br />
All the veggies. Cook 3 min.<br />
Add the eggs. Cook 1 min.<br />
Add all the herbs, chicken, bone broth and soy sauce. Cook 3 min.<br />
Add salt and pepper.<br />
Add 1 cup rice/noodle + 2 times the amount of water<br />
Close the Instant Pot and set to "Soup" or "Pressure Cook" setting for 15 minutes.<br />
Done!<br />
<b><br /></b>
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Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-2995566288245862702020-01-29T00:14:00.001-05:002020-01-29T00:15:53.375-05:00Notes on my reading: The five love languages of children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxp4-wceOvqBWCnASLWnFib1BP9k2Iwbf0ENcZzES9VdJzlb2syVjypXhee6tnIwbmsOmA-gG6y5IvAQuWIEYyY7HVfF2hobv0IjAY6n4LRCmeD1ml086zK2Tcu3PKGWIiK4oKg/s1600/2735.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxp4-wceOvqBWCnASLWnFib1BP9k2Iwbf0ENcZzES9VdJzlb2syVjypXhee6tnIwbmsOmA-gG6y5IvAQuWIEYyY7HVfF2hobv0IjAY6n4LRCmeD1ml086zK2Tcu3PKGWIiK4oKg/s640/2735.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The key concept in this book is that each of us gives and receives love in five primary ways AND that each of us values one or two of these five ways more than others. Being able to mimic the language that is most valued by our children even though that might not be our primary love language, can help the process of emotional development. It does not mean we cannot use the other love languages, as a matter of fact, we should use all modalities, but it helps to know which ones are more valued by an individual. Because, as numerous studies and documentaries have shown (including the Grant Study and the Up series), Love is all we need. So why not personalize it further and be more in tune.<br />
<br />
So what are the five love languages?<br />
<br />
Physical Touch - This is obvious in how this is expressed. It's likely boys get this more but girls should also be given this more in a healthy way if this is their primary love language.<br />
<br />
Quality Time - This really is as simple as it sounds. A lot of childhood misbehavior is an attempt to get more attention from Mom and Dad, even if it is negative attention.<br />
<br />
Words of Affirmation - More than general praise, it is specifically pointing out characteristics and abilities that make them one-of-a-kind. Finding opportunities to affirm kids multiple times a day gives them the courage to keep going and attempt even more.<br />
<br />
Gifts - Meaningful gifts are symbols of love and hold special memories.<br />
<br />
Acts of Service - These are the big and little things we do that show our care.</div>
Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-31538481718308206452020-01-28T01:55:00.000-05:002020-01-28T01:55:10.800-05:00Notes on my reading: The elements of story by Francis Flaherty<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
Writing is an art. The journalist an artist. Francis shared his experiences in this book. A few stuck with me and I share them below. I squeezed the lemon of the book and I try to share some of the juices here.<br />
<br />
The human element: Bringing out the human element of the story is key to writing good non-fiction. Find a complete person to tell your story. Describe emotions - however hard that might be to do. The path to good writing for the human element is to have empathy.<br />
<br />
The theme: Be loyal to your major theme. Study and even mention as much as possible the other facets but never allow them to diminish or distract from the major theme. Always have one theme. Use verbs that reflect the main theme. Look deeper into the theme and you can find interesting things among the mundane or overlooked. Always present the theme on the center stage, uncrowded.<br />
<br />
Simplify, simplify, simplify: The fewer tidbits, the better, cut and prune assiduously to let the main story shine through.<br />
<br />
Sounds: Using words that convey sounds and sound lyrical or poetic.<br />
<br />
The other point of view: To write a balanced story, always present the other side and be generous.<br />
<br />
Motion: Have you ever taken a photograph where the subject is in motion. It adds an immediate attractiveness to the photo. Similarly, think of how you can make brisk journies out of your stories so the reader can feel the breeze in their hair. Made-up-action with metaphors and similes, mental action, turbo verbs, to and fro (alternating between general and specific statements) all add to this sense of motion.<br />
<br />
Group similar points together. They gain power from consolidation and lose power from interruption.<br />
<br />
Two effects: Contrast and build-up. Contrast - White appears whitest against a black background. Build-up - A persuasive idea can be affected by the strength or weakness of the idea that went before.<br />
<br />
Artfulness: The five senses are a writer's most formidable tool. Watch and describe a person in their element - it's more powerful than hearing their interview about it. Description begins in the writer's imagination but should end in the reader's. Describe something with metaphorical stories or similes. Quotations are found art - use them liberally. Use symbols, as they are powerful but be careful.<br />
<br />
Other media: Sometimes words are not enough. Use other media.<br />
<br />
Truth and fairness: Stick to the facts.<br />
<br />
Leads, settings, endings, and subtitles - There is much here that matters and each of these requires careful attention as an artistic endeavor.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-73547788045845610852020-01-25T13:48:00.002-05:002020-01-25T14:05:39.387-05:00Bengali Keto-Mediterranean Millennial Diet: Healthy Indian Chicken Baked Kabab Recipe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<br />
I've been adapting Indian recipes for my Bengali Keto-Mediterranean diet to tone down the spice, salt and unhealthiness levels, in general, to create recipes for the person who is looking to avoid metabolic disorders but still wants to have fun eating. Here's one that I use regularly for making chicken cube kababs:<br />
<br />
Ingredients (quantities vary by the amount of chicken and your individual preferences - I have listed the minimum to keep it healthy and flavorful. You can ratchet it up to get more intensity but also likely make it unhealthy in some cases):<br />
<br />
Meat:<br />
Chicken cubes cut into 1-inch pieces<br />
<br />
Raw spices:<br />
Garlic - 2-3 cloves or more - make a paste or chop finely<br />
Ginger - 1 5 cm piece or more - - make a paste or chop finely<br />
Indian (Thai) Green chilies - 1 or more - chop finely<br />
Lemon juice - 1-2 tablespoons<br />
<br />
Powder spices:<br />
1 teaspoon ground coriander<br />
1 teaspoon ground turmeric<br />
1 teaspoon Kashmiri Mirch<br />
1 teaspoon ground cumin<br />
<br />
Other stuff:<br />
Half or more tomato purée<br />
Greek or natural yogurt - 1 tablespoon or more<br />
1 tablespoon salt or more<br />
<br />
Oil:<br />
Avocado/Safflower/High smoke point Olive oil - This allows the marinade to have a good consistency.<br />
<br />
Process:<br />
Mix all the above ingredients together and use your hands to massage the marinade into the chicken cubes. Cover this in a bowl with cling wrap and store in the fridge for 1 hour or more - the more the better.<br />
<br />
After this put the chicken to bake at 425 (pre-heat oven to 425) for 25 minutes. This will ensure moisture retention at the higher heat. If you want it a little burnt - ramp up the temp. to 450 for 5 minutes in the beginning and then ratchet down to 425 for the rest of 20 minutes.<br />
<br />
Efficiency Tip:<br />
The marinade can be made and kept in the fridge overnight as well if you want to use it twice.</div>
Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-82831365544634830692019-12-23T17:55:00.000-05:002019-12-24T02:09:25.341-05:00Notes on "Emotional First Aid" by Guy Winch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
I read this book in 2014 and captured notes on rejection - the first chapter and how to deal with it.<br />
<br />
Chapter 1: Rejection<br />
<br />
* Rejection causes emotional pain similar to physical pain and causes loss of rational thinking<br />
* Rejection triggers anger and aggressive impulses in us<br />
* Rejection causes our self-esteem to be damaged and often causes us to become unnecessarily self-critical<br />
* Rejection threatens our fundamental need to belong and feel accepted by others, causing damage to our physical and psychological health<br />
<br />
Treatment<br />
<br />
* Create counterarguments to the self-criticism<br />
- In romantic rejections, it's not you<br />
- In workplace rejections, understand what motivates them - again it's not you motivating them<br />
- In social rejections, understand the reasons - again it's not you but changing circumstances<br />
* Remind yourself of aspects of your character that others find attractive<br />
- List out characteristics and write out why and how these are important in your life and for your self-image<br />
* Engage with friends and family<br />
- Spend time talking with them<br />
- Do activities<br />
- Make new friends<br />
- Photographs of loved ones<br />
- Mementos<br />
* Desensitize yourself<br />
- Increase exposure to the source of fear and keep it limited within a time-frame<br />
- Ensure self-esteem can handle it<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-90970085348001096152019-11-05T16:06:00.002-05:002019-12-24T02:09:32.964-05:00On Reviews and How to Read them in the era of Influencer Marketing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
Today the average service/medical business has become savvy to consumer marketing techniques and some use social media including Yelp, Google. Facebook for managing their online business presence. Consumers also depend on these reviews a lot.<br />
<br />
So the question is how do you assess whether a Dentist/Framing Shop/Other Service business is actually going to be trustworthy in the long term and treat you as a long-term customer from Day 1?<br />
<br />
The old school way of getting a referral from your trusted contact is always the best but people move jobs, homes, cities. It's not always an option. I've got a few thoughts on what works and what doesn't that's grounded in reverse engineering marketing techniques I have seen.<br />
<br />
Typically, the source of the reviews matters. How is the review company/website making money - look to understand this to understand whether you can trust the reviews?<br />
<br />
Second, look for the number of reviews. If it's not over 20+ - either the business is new/doesn't care/hasn't modernized/not a place you want to go since people have avoided giving reviews.<br />
<br />
Third, look for the quality of reviews. Typically, fake reviews are easy to spot since they look very similar, have users that seem to be reviewing a host of items and don't have a clear digital profile. Reviews also fall into two categories - the 1-2 star reviews or the 5-star reviews. They are both worth reading to understand what drove the low ratings and why someone took the time to write them. The business response, in this case, is also telling. For the five star reviews, there are three ways this could occur - paid, asked for by business owner from a happy customer, self-written. Try to find the self-written ones, the more there are, the more likely the ratings truly reflect the business. The happy customer requested reviews are also OK but should be a secondary source of confirmation.<br />
<br />
Also, completely avoid influencer marketing - paid reviews/promotions are usually a red flag.<br />
<br />
Finally, after you have shortlisted your business/company etc., give them a call and interact with them to get a sense of your own.<br />
<br />
Putting all this together usually avoids bad experiences with businesses.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-40027588486641497292018-12-08T15:21:00.002-05:002019-01-19T13:12:03.865-05:00How much good can a few dollars do?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLJcxs5c0nVWzo7HPZ5JeOqne1KBMUqJlxSqxLlDDJ0KXpuKIDpldoNxer5x0KR8DvhTMpD_NYHBJESwQbzaSAEYmHfqSjSB_mw-llbpU-37orsLhmL_4RBDgZnOF9lJKu30Zkw/s1600/IndiaTv0f8108_rural.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="626" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLJcxs5c0nVWzo7HPZ5JeOqne1KBMUqJlxSqxLlDDJ0KXpuKIDpldoNxer5x0KR8DvhTMpD_NYHBJESwQbzaSAEYmHfqSjSB_mw-llbpU-37orsLhmL_4RBDgZnOF9lJKu30Zkw/s320/IndiaTv0f8108_rural.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Sharehouse Charitable Foundation is supporting a number of children in their pursuit of happiness. Please check out <a href="https://youtu.be/QEVy-O-nxnc">this video</a> and the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fkmgv7xu8YjF-GwsBM84-NjKUp1r9phb/view?usp=sharing">stories of the children</a>.<br />
<br />
You can support one kid for the whole year or donate for a specific item for them - books, stationery or lunch.<br />
<br />
Donate now and while sending your donation, please indicate if you would like the donation to go to a specific recipient and/ or for a specific purpose (school books, food, laptop, general)<br />
<br />
More information on Mary Ann:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://magazine-archives.wustl.edu/Spring08/AlumniProfiles.htm">Her profile</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/west-bengal/teacher-in-role-of-santa-cause-martinians-help-crusader-with-mission-textbook-for-kids/cid/1284482">Coverage of her work</a><br />
<br />
Use this email address to send money: sumandatta82@gmail.com<br />
<br />
<a href="https://support.google.com/pay/answer/7644136?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en&oco=1">How to use Google Pay to donate.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.zellepay.com/how-it-works">How to use your bank account</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/send-money-online">How to use Paypal</a><br />
<br /></div>
Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-49075746242077155142017-06-28T23:49:00.001-04:002017-06-28T23:51:03.888-04:00One less number to call<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shirts on the hangers, shoes on the floor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Grandma's in the kitchen, vendors at the door<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everything is everything<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everything is everything<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But you're missing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pictures on the wall, the breeze blows in from the window<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your house is waiting, your house is waiting<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For you to walk in, for you to walk in<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But you're missing, you're missing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You're missing when I shut out the lights<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You're missing when I close my eyes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You're missing when I see the sun rise<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You're missing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Morning is morning, the evening falls I have<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One less number to call, but too many phone calls<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How's everything, everything?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everything, everything<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You're missing, you're missing....Dad.</span></div>
</div>
Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-46509739653548261922015-05-01T14:00:00.002-04:002015-05-01T14:00:25.956-04:00Journeys end <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sometimes late at night and during those spaces in a busy day,<br />
I feel that I knew you before I met you,<br />
Somewhere in the vast emptiness of space and time, You knew me and I you.<br />
<br />
Did you think we loved by chance ?<br />
Did you think it's all happenstance ?<br />
You - it was you that chose and it was me.<br />
<br />
We chose but not with the mental circuits in our brain,<br />
Our souls knew that we were meeting again.<br />
With every atom and layer of our being,<br />
Our beings saw each other without seeing.<br />
<br />
Through thousands of miles of telephone lines,<br />
Through differences in space and time,<br />
A spoken word and a genuine laugh,<br />
Launched a love that transcended this life.<br />
<br />
A soft hello across the line,<br />
A whisper sharing deepest fears,<br />
While laughter was always there,<br />
Two friends met at their journeys end.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-43689784407250685702014-07-18T11:28:00.001-04:002014-07-18T11:28:10.624-04:00Rising Tide<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Rising Tide<br />
<br />
Shipwrecked on the shore,<br />
I found the will to build a boat,<br />
Awaiting the rising tide to take me to new shores.<br />
<br />
People never cease to amaze,<br />
Some change the way you live,<br />
Others break the images in your heart and mind.<br />
<br />
Your life is like a storybook,<br />
A new chapter at every turn,<br />
Some prologues and other epilogues.<br />
<br />
I'm never ending this story,<br />
It's with me till I die,<br />
Writing the next chapter is today.<br />
<br /></div>
Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-13725197517440925182013-10-22T23:00:00.000-04:002019-12-24T02:09:11.109-05:00Quarterlife crisis<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYdERswPNBK36HDFRvv_gwB3Nr1Y17fPaetjHYTiKnLqGbczjpagbmAVFe_8DSpOz63Nr4296p2ie3bJNZXsMCWeOwnpLQCkJsaiD2PwPyulURhO99VdUlEz5LoxgXJQeAXLZow/s1600/silhouette-1288119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="1600" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYdERswPNBK36HDFRvv_gwB3Nr1Y17fPaetjHYTiKnLqGbczjpagbmAVFe_8DSpOz63Nr4296p2ie3bJNZXsMCWeOwnpLQCkJsaiD2PwPyulURhO99VdUlEz5LoxgXJQeAXLZow/s640/silhouette-1288119.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The world as it looks today is not much different from what it has been for millenia.<br />
A new world order has arisen. A new form of slavery has come into existence.<br />
A delusion of freedom exists in most countries. In reality we are but slaves to our economic situation.<br />
You work at a job. You earn money. You spend it to maintain the lifestyle of your peers.<br />
Money from corporation goes to buy goods made by corporation.<br />
The profit off the labors of the people go to the oligarchy at the top.You run the endless cycle of work-pay-buy-work.<br />
I've joined the club. I'm an young professional. Get a better lifestyle and maintain the oligarchy.<br />
The oligarchy changes from time to time. But the status quo remains with a new oligarchy in place.<br />
It's 1984.<br />
There exist but 3 classes of people--- the rich(the oligarchy), the poor and the middle class which contains the seeds of the next oligarchy.However, rich in this context implies not only monetary wealth but power to control wealth as in the case of political power.<br />
In the midst of a quarterlife crisis I question my existence in this world order.<br />
Is anyone truly free? The oligarchy---slaves to the system, the middle class---slaves to the oligarchy, the poor---slaves to everything and everyone.<br />
<br />
Written - circa 2008</div>
Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-11323892409550386542013-10-22T22:58:00.000-04:002013-10-22T22:58:12.261-04:00Options Basics<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Options are a contract between 2 parties where one party has the right (but no obligation) to buy or sell an underlying asset at a fixed price at a future date.<br />
<br />
2 types:<br />
Call - right to buy an asset at a fixed price<br />
Put - right to sell an asset at fixed price<br />
<br />
There are 2 parties involved - the buyer of the contract and the seller (option writer).<br />
The fixed price is called strike price/exercise price.<br />
<br />
American option: Can be exercised on any date up to and including the expiration date.<br />
European option: Can be exercised only on expiration date.<br />
<br />
Option writer is "short" on the contract<br />
Option buyer is "long" on the contract<br />
<br />
Stock options:<br />
<br />
Price of buying the option: Option Premium<br />
By convention, all traded options expire on the Saturday following the third Friday of the month.<br />
<br />
At-the-money: Current price of stock = exercise price of option<br />
In-the-money: Payoff from exercising an option immediately is positive. More positive ones are called Deep-in-the-money.<br />
Out-of-the-money: Payoff from exercising an option immediately is negative. More negative ones are called Deep-out-of-the-money.<br />
<br />
Stock option prices are always written on 100 shares of the stock.<br />
Option prices are however quoted on a per-share basis.<br />
Therefore, an ask price of $3.30 implies that you would pay 3.30 x $100 = $330 for the contract.<br />
<br /></div>
Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-79212859746165715222012-08-24T00:49:00.001-04:002012-08-24T00:49:11.802-04:00Oh home country<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
Oh home country,<br />
change comes naturally to you,<br />
As it does to me.<br />
Some of the old is lost,<br />
While the new flourish.<br />
Creative destruction<br />
Of ancient ways to give way to the new.<br />
Passing time shifts the cultural landscape,<br />
Snapshots in time from my visits remain.<br />
Matching the picture to the reality,<br />
Matching the past to the present.<br />
Oh home country,<br />
Some change is good,<br />
Some change is necessary<br />
And some change is sad.<br />
Nostalgia Nostalgia,<br />
Screams the sarangi.<br />
The dholak beats away,<br />
While the rockstar rises.<br />
Sweet moments,<br />
Sad moments,<br />
Oh home country,<br />
Thou shalt not be forgotten.<br />
A part of me,<br />
Always, always.<br />
</div>
Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-12142931040109528392012-08-14T01:03:00.000-04:002012-08-14T01:03:09.857-04:00Notes on my reading: Securing Your Financial Future by Chris Smith<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
Chapter 1<br />
<br />
1.Compounding is the most powerful force in personal finance. It is slow at the beginning, picks up speed in the middle, and is super fast in the end.<br />
2.Compounding works for you in investing and against you in borrowing.The two important factors are interst rates and the number of periods of compounding. Remember the rule that it takes (72/interest rate) for your money invested/borrowed to double. Hence it is very important to look at the rate of interest and the number of periods that you have.<br />
<br />
Chapter 2<br />
<br />
1. Net worth measures your financial health = assets - liabilities.<br />
2.Bathtub example. The water level in a bathtub only rises when your faucet is pouring in more water than the drain is letting out. Drain control is key.<br />
3.Save at least 10% or more of gross income<br />
<br />
Chapter 3<br />
<br />
Building high net worth comes from controlling your spending, not from earning a high income. Although a high income can help grow net worth, the main source of building net worth is the concept of spending less than you earn year after year.<br />
<br />
Chapter 4<br />
<br />
1. Personal finance is a long term play ~ 50 years or more in length.<br />
2. Right brain dynamics/short term thinking will prevent you from realizing those long term plays unless you guard against them.<br />
3.Right brain dynamics causes us to think of small, automatic expenses as small expenses whereas they can add up to be big ones over time.<br />
4.Follow a structured, decision process for financial matters and you'll allow yourself not to be controlled by the right brain's impulsive nature.<br />
<br />
Chapter 5<br />
<br />
1. Rule 1: Save at least 10% of your income.<br />
2.To accelerate: increase savings percentage OR increase income at same savings rate OR both.<br />
3. Active income: job income, portfolio income: investment income, passive income: rental property income/business income.<br />
4. Diversification into all sources of income is important as you grow up.<br />
5. Simple but most effective way to increase net worth: Increase your income in all the above ways while keeping your lifestyle the same.<br />
</div>
Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-75630979682699355022012-03-22T18:09:00.000-04:002012-03-22T18:09:09.083-04:00It's just todayNo meanings to attach<br />
The day flows like a stream<br />
Up and down the rocks and sand<br />
It's just today. <br />
<br />
Watching it move <br />
Sometime it seems long;<br />
The years pass by quicker every day<br />
But today, it's just today. <br />
<br />
The sun shines and the clouds pour rain<br />
The birds chirp and the people chatter<br />
The cars on the road take people places<br />
Things are in motion just like the day,<br />
Thoughts come and go;<br />
People too,<br />
But it's just today. <br />
<br />
Thinking of the future and planning<br />
Holding on to the past and waiting<br />
Losing the moment while it unfolds<br />
Dreading change that's coming <br />
But it's just today. <br />
<br />
Games people play<br />
Memories that stay<br />
Desires that grow<br />
And dreams that flow<br />
But it's just today. Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-82734079346083871562011-12-20T09:18:00.001-05:002011-12-21T02:30:25.849-05:00SDA Bocconi School of Management<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">This is where I spent 2 months of my exchange studies. Only after arriving in Italy did I realize that Bocconi was one of the most renowned business schools in Europe and the top business school in Italy. The university is the "Harvard" of Italy. The President of the University, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Monti">Mario Monti</a>, recently left to take up his position as the Prime Minister of Italy to help steer Italy through the current sovereign debt crisis. Like any self-respecting MBA student, I quote the most advantageous rankings here from <a href="http://www.forbes.com/pictures/eidm45edgd/1-imd/#content">Forbes</a> which puts SDA Bocconi at number 4 in the world among 1-year non-US business schools.<br />
<br />
At Anderson, the rigor I was subjected to was more intense than I experienced at SDA Bocconi. However, the opportunities that the full-time students received in terms of campus interviews was definitely top notch within Europe. Also, the size of the class (less than 100) and the duration of the program (little more than a year) definitely contribute to the experience. It is a faster MBA and preferred by some who weigh the pros and cons of a two year versus a one year MBA.<br />
<br />
Being exposed to a diverse class, especially from all over Europe was a great experience. Each student, many of whom were from other countries, brought their unique perspectives. It was entertaining to see a Greek and German sit next to each other and talk while their countries were locked in sovereign debt crisis.<br />
<br />
The school has a major focus on fashion and luxury brand management. Milan is a top fashion hub in the world and the school has capitalized on this. We were exposed to such celebrity businessmen as the CEO of Ermenegildo Zegna while studying there.<br />
<br />
Finally, the professors and classes were informative. Each professor made a lot of effort to organize their classes and materials. I definitely learned some new things including the influence of politics in business, how companies pursue innovation and development of new products.<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-87377085550107205792011-12-20T08:52:00.005-05:002011-12-20T15:07:03.544-05:00Rome, Tuscany, Paris, Berlin and Barcelona<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104594930673843674048/Roma?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCITzqrzV5aH_PQ&feat=directlink">Rome</a> - there is nothing like visiting a city with a person who grew up there and loves it. Danilo was my nocturnal guide through the alleys of Rome - a city that is ancient as it is new. The key was to see the city at night when the crowds were not at each and every piazza. My first memory of Rome will always be the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Rome_demonstration">demonstration</a> that took place across Rome and especially around the Collosseum to protest against economic inequality and the growing influence of global financial institutions like the IMF - truly historic times.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104594930673843674048/TuscanyFlorenceSienaMontepulcianoAndSanGimignano?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCJ2U5umkrdjxJg&feat=directlink">Tuscany</a> - my favorite city in Italy was Florence - the center of Italian renaissance. With Shiva, we took a road trip through the rolling hills of Tuscany, stopping at Siena and San Gimignano for a day each. We also had the chance to explore a winery in the Montepulciano region further south. Tuscany food was my favorite, only second to Sicilian food. The wild boar stew and the Bistecca Fiorentia are something that one should not miss.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104594930673843674048/Paris?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCMib_Oi-sp6OfA&feat=directlink">Paris</a> - the Palace of Versailles had the most impact on me. It is a standing proof from history of extreme income inequality, a phenomenon with which we are only too familiar today. Spending time with Shiva was another highlight, exploring some of the districts of Paris.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104594930673843674048/Berlin?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKen0L31opCNiwE&feat=directlink">Berlin</a> - A city that is best enjoyed with friends. Teeming with bars and clubs, this city has life like no other. Exploring it with another fellow traveler was fun to say the least. I was also relieved to realize that Germans are one of the few Europeans that speak English well.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104594930673843674048/Barcelona?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIzmvMac14aLuAE&feat=directlink">Barcelona</a> - the influence of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antoni_Gaud%C3%AD">Gaudi</a>, the architect, over this city is unmistakable. The warm weather in November is a bonus. The city is known for its party hostels, one of the most famous ones being Kabul.</div><br />
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</div>Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-43244091974538138002011-12-20T05:19:00.000-05:002011-12-20T05:19:41.547-05:00Exchange sketches<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">My exchange trip was not only an opportunity to travel abroad but meet new people, learn from them and enjoy their company. The opportunities were plenty. I recount a few of those that stuck in my mind.<br />
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Gus - one of my two roommates. You can learn the art of of being a good listener from him. Our morning cappuccinos were something I still miss.<br />
Susanna - my Italian language teacher. Taught me how to generate enthusiasm in the subject being taught - a wonderful teacher.<br />
Nikki - my other roommate. Her ability to maintain good relations with everyone was worth learning from.<br />
Shanif - my exchange mate. He can show you how to put loyalty to friends above petty self-interests.<br />
Bianca - my exchange mate and travel buddy. She was the master of teaching you how to be respectful to others and yourself.<br />
Armin - a man of few words. He can teach you how to be reliable. He was also good at execution of various "project" during our stay showing his versatile skills. He fit my stereotype of a German in some ways though not all! <br />
Parth - this man is a gem. Full of positive energy - he appreciates the good things in life and has a knack for finding them. He can also teach you how to be polite and considerate of other people.<br />
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</div>Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-76382116564162687112011-12-20T04:23:00.000-05:002011-12-20T04:23:51.740-05:00Adventures in Italia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Living for over 3+ months in Italia has opened my eyes yet again to the possibilities that the world has to offer. I would happily live in Europe, especially Italia, if given a chance - like a work-abroad option by my company. There were a few things that I found particularly attractive about Italian and European culture. I present them below in no particular order.<br />
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I enjoyed the warm nature of Italianos - from north to south, they are very friendly and especially so in the south of Italy. I visited <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104594930673843674048/Sicilia?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKTHgrrC-b3g4gE&feat=directlink">Sicily</a>, a large island in the south of Italy, where the landscape was gorgeous, food was delicious, and the people were very warm. Italians are also very passionate, talkative, and emotional people. Food and cooking is a big part of life. Families are close and mothers really spend a lot of time on their children, so much so that Italian sons don't want to leave home and some remain<a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5761647/ns/world_news/t/what-keeping-italian-men-home/#.Tu78wtQoR_c"> lifelong bachelors</a>! Italians also like to spend money on good clothes, good food and nice things in life - sometimes even if they don't have any!<br />
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One of my favorite things to eat were the bread that is served at the table before you order food. Taking some good quality <a href="http://verrinimunari.myshopify.com/">balsamic vinegar</a> coupled with olive oil and dipping the bread into it, creates a wonderful taste.<br />
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I had the pleasure of staying with some Sicilian girls while visiting <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104594930673843674048/Torino?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCOKAsobkm9iQKw&feat=directlink">Torino</a>, the seat of the royal family of Italy. <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YaTbzUUcPWrAs6ph1QibUfLWlSnaWLcq5WHizyigGyE?feat=directlink">Sonia</a> from Sicily was my host in Torino. At Sonia's home, I was treated very warmly and felt a genuine sense of hospitality. Sonia treated me with some fish on the first day - a sign that I was a guest of honor. Funny story is - I was polite and did not mention that I did not like fish the first day but she found out anyways - we had a laugh while I recounted my childhood fish stories.<br />
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My Italian language teacher, <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LRQzxL2gCPITjvziNQKET4-34kRv7Vh1CAqhbAYX-lI?feat=directlink">Susanna</a>, was always very warm and affectionate towards me - she reminded me strongly of my mother in many ways - as a matter of fact - she was my "Italian Mamma" while studying abroad.<br />
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All this reminded me culturally a lot about home - Bengali families in particular are very close with a lot of love, the mothers pamper their children a lot, there is generally a strong focus on good food and cooking. People are passionate and emotional. I come from a very emotional family and have definitely not deviated a lot from it. On a side note, <a href="http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-07/kolkata/30485445_1_trinamool-worker-trinamool-congress-dutta">mafias</a> have risen in Bengal just as they exist in Italy!<br />
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There were some aspects that took more getting used to. For example, one of the first things that struck me about Italy in particular and Europe in general is how ubiquitous smoking is unlike in the US. There are local stores called "<a href="http://goitaly.about.com/od/italytravelglossary/g/tabacchi_def.htm">Tabacchi</a>" everywhere you go in Milano. They are tobacco shops but they have diversified into other products like phone cards and jewelry. A lot more women also smoke here in Europe than in the States or for that matter in other continents.<br />
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Language is another challenging aspect for a new person. If you are visiting an European country other than Germany, it is best to learn some basic local language before you head out. This not only makes it easier to understand what's going on but also elicits a much more positive response from a local person. It shows that you took the time and effort to learn their language.<br />
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Traveling and living in Europe as a child, I never saw many immigrants. There were some, such as some in my family, who came there for highly skilled professions but never anyone who was doing manual labor or other unskilled work. I was surprised this time to see so many immigrants. The most striking ones were the ubiquitous flower sellers on the streets of Italy. I quickly realized that most of them were either from Pakistan or Bangladesh. Because I speak Bengali, I was able to converse with them and hear their stories - a very human story of migration. A number of them are brought into Eastern Europe by "agents" who charge these people around 10,000 euros. For someone so poor, this means borrowing money, using all their life savings and taking a high-risk trip to an unknown country in search of better fortunes. After entering Eastern Europe, they are able to move across borders and spread into different countries, some ending up in Italy. However, I was not convinced that selling roses in Italy was able to sustain them. It remains a mystery.<br />
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Before leaving Italy, I had the opportunity to visit one of the largest small producer fairs in Europe, in Milano, at <a href="http://www.fieramilano.it/portal/page?_pageid=36,38547&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&id=1856&manifestazione=AF%20/%20L'%20ARTIGIANO%20IN%20FIERA">fieramilano</a>. It was quite spectacular and I don't remember having seen anything on that scale and quality before.<br />
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Another interesting fact that I learned that there are more Italians outside Italy than in Italy - 60 million in Italy versus 100 million outside. This is probably due to the waves of migrations in the 19th and 20th century that happened in Italy - a rural society slowly wanting to move into the industrial age.<br />
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Italy is also a country highly fragmented internally which also gives rise to a lot of unique sub-cultures.North Italians look down upon southerners. There are rivalries that exist between different sections within a town itself. For example, in Siena, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contrade_of_Siena">the Contrade</a>, or districts, that exist have an intense rivalry that manifests itself in Palio di Siena, an ancient horse race, made famous in a recent <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_of_Solace">Bond movie</a>. These rivalries are so intense that I have heard stories of couples fighting over the church that they would get married in because they were from different Contrade.<br />
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I left Italy enriched, with knowledge of Italian language, food, some friends and <a href="http://www.davidmayernaman.com/">some fashion</a>!<br />
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</div>Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-20505887822275656152011-09-25T05:08:00.000-04:002011-09-25T05:08:04.230-04:00Milan and a liitle bit of life unfolds<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">A lot has happened in 3 weeks - a picture being a thousand words - I'll let them do the speaking - <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/104594930673843674048/ExchangeFall2011Italy?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKbd2vTOroPZeQ&feat=directlink">City tour of Milan, Venice Film Festival, a trip to Cinque Terre and finally a weekend of respite and dressing up (read shopping)</a><br />
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<u>Milan and around</u><br />
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Milan is a beautiful city - the old and the new mix in very well as you stare at the skyline. Venice was everything that it was promised to be - I will return one day for the masquerade ball (the masks set my imagination on fire). The film festival was an interesting experience although I was left somewhat depressed watching the film that won the Golden Lion -<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faust_%282011_film%29"> Faust </a>- such is the power of cinema. Italy is beautiful - I got my first taste of it at Cinque Terre - a string of five towns on the coast which are very hike worthy. Although hiking all 5 in a day left me sore for days - clear indication that I still have some ways to go.<br />
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<u>Strangers no more</u><br />
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However, what is even more beautiful than Italy is the people I have around me and some I have met here. I've always believed that people around the world have a lot in common than is believed. When you throw in some exchange students who are not only from different parts of the world but are going to go through a shared experience, with its trials and tribulations, together - you've got a good starting point. A lot of us are searching, in one way or the others, parts of ourselves, parts of what the rest of our lives will look like while being in a very beautiful city. Some of us have different goals - of seeing places, of spending time with significant others, of recruiting since we all need a job, while there are a few who are truly making the effort to get to know other people. You know that you're having a good time when thoughts cross your mind that this will only last for a couple of months and you feel sad. Some people I've come to feel a sense of camaraderie with will disperse to different parts of the world - but a German friend once told me - we never meet anyone once - and I've taken that to heart.<br />
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<u>A prelude to a beautiful pause</u><br />
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Life had been busy - really busy these last few years - an exchange program was many things to me - a respite, a growth opportunity, more wanderlust - it has been all that and more. The icing on the cake was having a job offer this week. It sets my mind free to pursue certain things that require time and space - something that has been missing from my life for a while.<br />
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</div>Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-21182487624393866172011-09-25T04:24:00.001-04:002011-09-25T04:26:42.722-04:00The pause that led to some fires<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">As I walk alone - new friends by my side,<br />
Streets of a new city remind me of old dreams.<br />
Fantasies born out of childhood readings,<br />
Reality is slightly different.<br />
I am here now,<br />
Here now,<br />
But the streets look a little different.<br />
It is a time to smell the flowers<br />
It is a time to grow<br />
It is a time to watch the beauty<br />
Of people, places and life.<br />
The misty morning sets my thoughts adrift<br />
Still young in so many ways<br />
But wiser in some.<br />
Life's in pause - incubating in dreams, juices of life,<br />
In moments of pure beauty, in moments of truth,<br />
In moments of friendship.<br />
I set myself free<br />
When I learned a little more about myself.<br />
So many people out there,<br />
Poetry in lives of others.<br />
The world goes round and round and round<br />
While I stand still and watch.<br />
Each person touches me in a certain way,<br />
Some set fire to my imagination<br />
Whose sparks sometimes lead to fire<br />
A phoenix rises out of those ashes<br />
A new me and a new you<br />
We've changed now.<br />
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</div>Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9463915.post-83164941757189554802011-09-02T18:59:00.000-04:002011-09-02T18:59:42.439-04:00Milan diaries<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">If the week was any indication of things to come - the stars are aligning for a special 2 months - photos to follow.<br />
Tomorrow we (exchange students) explore Milan......<br />
The week in a few words -<br />
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1. Bocconi - Bene!<br />
2. Apartamento - Molto bene!<br />
3. Compagni di stanza - Bellisimo!!<br />
4. Scambio di studenti - Molto molto bene!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdeVbNdV6LNEUJw-s2mTez3lV64aWIXXy4a_y276MbCTc6qpCqj6Mj2Ax0_VkiqSleR6cNO1m2Jdc-mciKuMYTLKGKJs9xoczg-pl5N_TKxeeP-cTGmTjvofwLi6mqLJm7ZYblw/s1600/313308_10150281434970949_650095948_8022548_5694383_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdeVbNdV6LNEUJw-s2mTez3lV64aWIXXy4a_y276MbCTc6qpCqj6Mj2Ax0_VkiqSleR6cNO1m2Jdc-mciKuMYTLKGKJs9xoczg-pl5N_TKxeeP-cTGmTjvofwLi6mqLJm7ZYblw/s320/313308_10150281434970949_650095948_8022548_5694383_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>5. Milano - La dolce vita!<br />
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</div>Sumanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17975030462145956838noreply@blogger.com1